Abstract:
Ben George, a young teacher, lives in a small town in western Pennsylvania. An old philosopher appears and gives him a sapphire gemstone, which the old man says has magical properties and is to be used only for good, not for evil. He teaches Ben the intricate ways of using the gemstone to foretell the outcome of an event. Ben agrees that no one else will know about this treasure. Who is this old philosopher and where does he come from? Does he represent Good over Evil? Is he from another planet, or another age in time? The local shoemaker’s arm is shrinking, affecting his work. Ben develops a special treatment for it -- the magic gemstone helps. Will it succeed or fail? Ben’s son suffers the crippling effects of polio. The magic gemstone foretells success. Will he be cured? If so, how?